Best Xpress Podcasts (2025)

1
Chris Jones, Cannabis Xpress CEO, on Disruption, Differentiation & the Future of Cannabis Retail 30:42

11d ago30:42

30:42

In this episode of The Voice of Retail, I’m thrilled to welcome back Chris Jones, Founder and CEO of Cannabis Xpress, for his third appearance on the show. Chris offers an insider’s view of the fast-changing cannabis retail landscape in Canada. Since we last spoke, Cannabis Xpress has grown to 21 stores—14 in Ontario and 7 in New Brunswick—becoming…

1
Retail Strategist Carl Boutet and his latest book "Blind Spot: Navigating the Unseen Effects of Technology on Commerce" (Encore) 39:45

4d ago39:45

39:45

On this Encore episode of The Voice of Retail, host Michael LeBlanc speaks with retail strategist, professor, and author Carl Boutet about his journey in academia and his latest book, Blind Spot: Navigating the Unforeseen Effects of Technology on Commerce. Carl discusses his evolving role in retail education, including his work at McGill University…

1
Grouse Hunting from Wisconsin to Montana 1:15:29

5d ago1:15:29

1:15:29

Mike Amman is a Wisconsin forester and the Vice President of the Wisconsin Sharp-Tailed Grouse Society. Mike & Travis celebrate Wisconsin’s decision to re-open a sharp-tailed grouse hunting season, the mission at the Wisconsin sharp-tailed grouse society, reversing a habitat loss trend & bouncing back bird numbers, logging practices that create ruf…

1
In-Depth Bobwhite Quail Research 1:40:33

12d ago1:40:33

1:40:33

Dr. James Martin is a Professor of Wildlife Ecology at the University of Georgia. He’s part scientist, part hunter. Dr. Martin works extensively with wild populations of bobwhite quail and landowners throughout America to understand every detail about their lives and how to provide everything they need to thrive. We discuss past and ongoing quail r…

1
Beyond Satisfaction: Unlocking What Drives Consumers in 2025 with Simone Lumsden, SVP, Triangle Customer Loyalty and Triangle Retail Media at Canadian Tire, and Sandra Duff, Founder of AnotherStory Consulting ... 25:15

18d ago25:15

25:15

In this special live episode of The Voice of Retail, recorded at RCC STORE 2025, I sit down with two retail thought leaders: Simone Lumsden, Senior Vice-President, Triangle Customer Loyalty and Triangle Retail Media, Canadian Tire Corporation, and Sandra Duff, Founder and Principal at Another Story Consulting. Together, we explore what it takes to …

1
Hank Hunt #5 1:23:38

19d ago1:23:38

1:23:38

HANK HUNT #5 & YOU’RE INVITED! Scott Fransen joins the show to announce the 5th annual “Hank Hunt.” Scott gives the details of the hunt at @Brownslodge_huntingranch and shares why this year he’s inviting hunters who sign up to bring a child or parent. Scott & Travis discuss how this hunt has impacted hunters that participate, how the hunt supports …

1
Talent, Strategy, and Story Telling: James B. Smith, CEO of Rare Placement, on Finding—and Becoming—the Right Retail Leader 30:55

25d ago30:55

30:55

In this episode of The Voice of Retail, I’m joined by James B. Smith, Founder and CEO of Rare Placement, for a wide-ranging conversation on modern leadership, executive search, and the future of talent in the retail industry. James brings an exceptional career journey to the mic, beginning in advertising with agencies like Grey and Ogilvy, moving i…

1
Pheasant Run #50 1:18:21

26d ago1:18:21

1:18:21

Scott Rall from Nobles County Pheasants Forever in southwest Minnesota joins the show to celebrate the acquisition of Pheasant Run #50. Scott explains how his chapter has been able to purchase thousands of acres of farmland and convert it into public hunting land. Scott and Travis also talk about drinking water and water quality in his county, publ…

1
Live from SMU in Dallas, Texas, Steve Dennis & Leaders Leap, Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption (Encore Episode) 39:45

1M ago39:45

39:45

In this special encore episode of The Voice of Retail, recorded live at the Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, host Michael LeBlanc is joined by longtime Remarkable Retail #podcast collaborator and retail thought leader Steve Dennis to celebrate the launch of Steve’s latest book, Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Compa…

1
Jim Okamura, Partner at McMillan Doolittle on what is now, new and the future of local and global retail commerce live from the CommerceNext Growth Show 28:57

1M ago28:57

28:57

In this must-listen episode of The Voice of Retail, host Michael LeBlanc is joined by seasoned retail strategist Jim Okamura, Partner at McMillan Doolittle and Co-Founder of the Global E-commerce Leaders Forum (GELF). Recorded live at the CommerceNext show in New York City, the two Canadians delve deeply into the current and future state of retail,…

1
How to Introduce Kids to Hunting 1:10:54

1M ago1:10:54

1:10:54

Josh Tatman is a dedicated upland bird hunter, angler, storyteller, adventure seeker, and, most importantly, he’s a father. Josh and Travis share stories about raising future hunters and anglers while trying to also help others learn “how to introduce kids to hunting.” We break down Josh’s recent article on the topic and discuss when and how to set…

1
Sharon Gai, AI Strategist, on Personalization, Blind Boxes & Retail 2.0 29:49

2M ago29:49

29:49

In this powerhouse episode of The Voice of Retail, I sit down with Sharon Gai, an international keynote speaker, AI expert, former Alibaba executive, and recent keynote speaker on the stage at the Retail Council of Canada's STORE2025, for an illuminating conversation on the future of retail in the age of artificial intelligence. Joining from São Pa…

1
Head Bird Nerd: Pheasant Biology 1:28:49

2M ago1:28:49

1:28:49

Ron Leathers is the Chief Conservation Officer at Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever. On this episode, we discuss in depth pheasant biology with Ron from mating season to laying eggs, when pheasants will re-nest, and when they won’t. We talk about the average life span of a pheasant, the percentage of chicks that hatch, and the ones that don’t. Ron …

1
Vancouver's Innovative Retail Crime Fighting Solution, Project Barcode, with Sgt. Craig Reynolds & Arezo Zarrabian, Vancouver Police Department (Encore) 42:40

2M ago42:40

42:40

In this encore episode of The Voice of Retail from January 2025, I’m joined by Sergeant Craig Reynolds and Arezo Zarrabian, Senior Crime Analyst at the Vancouver Police Department, for an exclusive look inside Project Barcode—a pioneering effort to combat organized retail crime in Vancouver. Sparked by a staggering 260% increase in retail theft inv…

1
Upland Xpress 1:19:50

2M ago1:19:50

1:19:50

Joe Lesmeister shares stories from a life spent in pursuit of upland birds. The conversation breaks down his upland bird hunting journal and discusses trends from hunts across the upper Midwest for the past 20+ years, moments that stand out, hunting from a “man van”, forgetting his dog at home, getting stuck in the mud, hunting nostalgic plastic, d…

1
Peter Hlynsky, CEO of MEC: The Epic Journey Home - How Canada's Iconic Outdoor Retailer Reclaimed Its Heritage and Charts New Trails 31:39

2M ago31:39

31:39

In this exclusive interview, I chat with Peter Hlynsky, CEO of MEC (Mountain Equipment Company), one of Canada's most iconic outdoor retailers. Peter shares his remarkable journey from CFO to CEO over five years at MEC, detailing his passion for the outdoors that initially drew him to the company rather than retail specifically. MEC's origin story …

1
Virtual Reality 1:26:20

2M ago1:26:20

1:26:20

We are giving away a GAIM Virtual Shooting Simulator! Phillip Jones from GAIM joins the show to discuss their virtual reality hunting and shooting simulator. The conversation begins with Phillip’s journey beginning as a hunter in the U.K, serving in the Royal Navy, moving to America & working in the firearm industry, falling in love with bird dogs …

1
Human Pride: Optimizing Your Human Potential in a Digital Job Market with bestselling author and veteran front-line retail executive Ron Thurston 34:21

2M ago34:21

34:21

In this energizing and thought-provoking episode, I welcome back Ron Thurston, bestselling author, veteran retail executive, and passionate advocate for the frontline retail workforce. With the launch of his second book, Human Pride: Optimizing Your Human Potential in a Digital Job Market, Ron brings a refreshing, people-centric perspective to lead…

1
Superior Upland 1:05:06

2M ago1:05:06

1:05:06

Jacob Perry operates Superior Upland in the U.P of Michigan. Jacob shares his journey in the outfitting business, hunting for ruffed grouse & woodcock behind his Gordon Setters. We discuss Michigan’s strong bird numbers, ideal spring hatch conditions, summer dog training, leaving a teaching career to operate his business full-time, making the most …

1
Jenn Harper, Retail Council Canada's 2025 Independent Independent Retail Ambassador of the Year on Taking Cheekbone Beauty from Startup Dream to Indigenous Beauty Revolution 28:21

2M ago28:21

28:21

In this episode, Jenn Harper, founder and CEO of Cheekbone Beauty Cosmetics and 2025 recipient of Retail Council Canada's Independent Retail Ambassador of the Year award, joins me on the mic. Our inspiring conversation explores Jenn's remarkable journey from food industry sales to building a nationally recognized Indigenous beauty brand now availab…

1
Public Lands For Sale 37:03

3M ago37:03

37:03

Travis Frank reads a letter from a listener and then discusses the recent news about public land sales in Nevada & Utah before asking the obvious question, what can we do about it? Presented by: Walton’s (waltons.com/) OnX Maps (onxmaps.com/) Aluma Trailers (alumaklm.com) Hoksey Native Seeds (hokseynativeseeds.com) GAIM Hunting & Shooting Simulator…

1
RCC STORE2025 Keynote Speaker Karl Haller, Consumer Center of Competency (CoC) Leader from IBM on The AI-Powered Retail Enterprise 22:01

3M ago22:01

22:01

In this exclusive episode of The Voice of Retail podcast, host Michael LeBlanc interviews Karl Haller, Partner at IBM Consulting and leader of their retail and consumer products center of competency, ahead of his highly anticipated keynote presentation at Retail Council of Canada's STORE2025 conference on June 3rd. With nearly 30 years of retail ex…

1
In the Line of Fire 1:37:43

3M ago1:37:43

1:37:43

Bailey Petersen is a wildlife biologist for the Minnesota DNR and a passionate upland bird hunter. Bailey explains what’s happening right now with the North Shore wild fires in Minnesota, then we discuss current work projects in our forests that include her ruffed grouse drumming counts, woodcock banding projects, grouse and woodcock numbers headin…

1
Beyond the Tariff Headlines: STORE2025 Opening Keynote Ira Kalish, Chief Global Economist for Deloitte Prepares Canadian Retailers for Economic Change 23:31

3M ago23:31

23:31

In this timely episode of The Voice of Retail, host Michael LeBlanc welcomes back frequent guest and audience favorite Ira Kalish, Chief Global and US Economist for Deloitte, who is set to deliver the opening keynote address at Retail Council of Canada's STORE2025 conference on June 3rd. This conversation offers listeners a valuable preview of the …

1
Hoksey Boys 1:41:25

3M ago1:41:25

1:41:25

Nicolas Lirio & Kent Boucher from Hoksey Native Seeds are in studio to discuss their unique view of prairie farm life, growing seeds for habitat, most commonly asked grass and pollinator questions, quality of life, simple pollinator projects, hands on habitat, going back in time, our footprint on this earth, making healthy choices, being difference…

1
ENCORE: Technology in the Service of The Customer with Michon Williams, Chief Technology Officer, Walmart Canada 28:11

3M ago28:11

28:11

🎧 Encore Episode Alert! Revisit one of our most popular conversations from Fall 2024 as I sit down with Michon Williams, Chief Technology Officer at Walmart Canada, for a wide-ranging discussion on leading technology innovation in Canada’s largest retail landscape. Recorded live at Walmart Canada headquarters, Michelle shares her career journey—fro…

1
Bird Dog Field Training 1:22:10

3M ago1:22:10

1:22:10

In Part 3 of our bird dog training course with Sonny Piekarz, Jordan Wells and George Lyall, we discuss in the field bird dog field training. The step-by-step conversation begins with transitioning “The Method” course work into field work, transitioning the point of contact from a command lead to E-collar, using a flank collar to apply breaks and w…

1
SophieGrace Founder Emma May on Tariffs, Tailoring, and Building a Community-First Brand 29:50

3M ago29:50

29:50

In this compelling episode of The Voice of Retail, I sit down again and catch up with Emma May, Founder of SophieGrace, a Calgary-based fashion brand transforming professional womenswear with modular, machine-washable designs. With a diverse background spanning law, politics, and real estate, Emma shares the origin story of SophieGrace, born from h…

1
Bird Dog Development & Obedience Training 1:20:23

3M ago1:20:23

1:20:23

In Part 2 of our bird dog training course with Sonny Piekarz, Jordan Wells and George Lyall, we discuss bird dog foundation & obedience training. We begin at the kennel and work dogs through an obstacle course to help them overcome challenges and gain confidence in themselves and their owners. We discuss how to properly use a lead, developing a poi…

1
(ENCORE) Radical Innovation, Leadership and Winning Every Race with Craig Baxter, Group President of Techtronic Industries Canada Inc. (Milwaukee, Ryobi, and Hoover) 37:13

4M ago37:13

37:13

In this compelling encore episode of The Voice of Retail, I reconnect with Craig Baxter, Group President of Techtronic Industries Canada Inc., a division of the $13.7 billion global manufacturing giant known for its market-leading brands including Milwaukee, RYOBI, Hoover, and Dirt Devil. Our conversation spans decades of experience, lessons learne…

1
Bird Dog Training – Puppy Development 1:27:59

4M ago1:27:59

1:27:59

Puppy Development training is the foundation for every bird dog. We walk step by step through “The Method” training process with puppies from the moment you start looking for a bird dog to the day you introduce them to birds and gun fire for the first time. We bring two dogs into the show with three highly qualified dog trainers, Sonny Piekarz, Jor…

1
Smith Xpress Sports W/ Co Host Mic The Poet & Wrestling Legend Donovan Dijak 31:24

4M ago31:24

31:24

Tune in as Smith along with Co Host Mic The Poet interview Wrestling Legend Donovan Dijak as he Talks about his career along with his Wrestling academy in which helps train up & coming wrestlers to take it to the next level & so much more you don’t want to miss!!!

1
Inside the Mind of a Dog 1:43:40

4M ago1:43:40

1:43:40

When dog owners struggle, that’s when they call trainers for help. On this episode, we sit down with dog owners that share their struggles and the trainers that helped them overcome them. Sonny Piekarz, Jordan Wells & George Lyall explain how to understand the mindset of dogs and the power that comes with it. @haycreekkennel @jwellskennels Presente…

1
The world’s smartest AI-merchandising engine with Anabel Maldonado, Canadian Founder & CEO of PSYKHE AI 28:32

4M ago28:32

28:32

In this enlightening episode of The Voice of Retail, host Michael LeBlanc interviews Anabel Maldonado, Founder and CEO of PSYKHE AI, a company at the forefront of using psychographic intelligence and generative AI to transform the future of e-commerce merchandising. With a rich background that spans neuropsychology and luxury fashion—having worked …

1
Hudson's Bay's Untimely Demise, Retail Turnarounds & Consumer Trends: A Conversation with Phil Wahba, Senior Writer at Fortune 32:53

4M ago32:53

32:53

In the latest episode of The Voice of Retail, host Michael LeBlanc sits down with Phil Wahba, Senior Writer at Fortune, to explore the ever-evolving landscape of retail leadership, consumer behavior, and strategic transformations. Wahba reflects on more than a decade covering retail bankruptcies, leadership shifts, and innovation, highlighting that…

1
Hands on Habitat 1:18:44

4M ago1:18:44

1:18:44

Bird hunters unite to get their hands dirty working on habitat. John Wartman, president of the Carver County Pheasants Forever chapter explains why his chapter won the 2024 Forever award, why adding opportunities for chapter members to work together has given his chapter renewed life, the value and bond created by volunteering, Hands on Habitat day…

1
Strategic Resets for Thriving in Turbulent Times with Dr. Rebecca Homkes (Encore) 29:00

4M ago29:00

29:00

In this special encore episode of The Voice of Retail, host Michael LeBlanc welcomes Dr. Rebecca Homkes, a globally recognized high-growth strategy expert and author of the acclaimed book Survive, Reset, Thrive: Leading Breakthrough Growth Strategy in Volatile Times. Dr. Homkes, who holds faculty positions at the London Business School and Duke Uni…

1
Dog Training Backfires 1:10:11

4M ago1:10:11

1:10:11

*LISTENER DISCRETION IS ADVISED* Adam Thomas shares his horrifying story of a bird dog training drill that backfired and sent him on a helicopter to the closest ER. Adam relives the events leading up to the explosion, explains why it happened, how his body and mind reacted to it, his hope for a full recovery, lessons learned, and maintaining his go…

1
Transform Your Fraud Prevention Strategy: Yale Holder, VP of Customer Experience at Moneris, Shares Trends & Expert Tips 30:01

5M ago30:01

30:01

In the latest episode of The Voice of Retail, host Michael LeBlanc speaks with Yale Holder, Vice President of Customer Experience at Moneris, about emerging retail fraud prevention trends and strategies for payment security. Drawing on Moneris’ extensive transaction data—covering billions of annual payments—Yale explains how fraud cases in 2024 dro…

1
Stories from our Listeners (Part 2) 1:10:03

5M ago1:10:03

1:10:03

Listeners share their real-life stories while at the 2025 Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic in Kansas City, MO. This is an open mic episode where Travis Frank & Scott Fransen hear from guests sharing their own experiences in the field, from epic success to unexpected heartbreaks, this episode takes us on a wild journey with bird dogs, habitat heroes, l…

1
Stories from our Listeners (Part 1) 1:13:21

5M ago1:13:21

1:13:21

Listeners share their real life stories while at the 2025 Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic in Kansas City, MO. This is an open mic episode where Travis Frank & Scott Fransen hear from guests sharing their own experiences in the field, from epic success to unexpected heartbreaks, this episode takes us on a wild journey with bird dogs, habitat heroes, l…

1
Retail Revolution: When AI Took Over The Voice of Retail (And Almost Nailed It) 18:49

5M ago18:49

18:49

In the latest groundbreaking episode of The Voice of Retail podcast, host Michael LeBlanc presents a true innovation in nearly 500 episodes of broadcasting – the first 100% AI-generated episode, created entirely by Google's Notebook LM AI tool. This experimental episode marks a significant milestone in retail podcasting. LeBlanc uploaded a PDF of h…

1
Upland Trivia LIVE in KC 1:53:38

5M ago1:53:38

1:53:38

Join us for our 3rd annual Upland Trivia game hosted LIVE at Border Brewing Co. in Kansas City at Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic. Will George Lyall continue his dominance? Will Tyler Webster rebound from his disappointing finish last year? Play along with a packed house of listeners that came to cheer on the crew, heckle the hosts, and take home pri…

1
From Clicks to Bricks: Silk & Snow’s Next Chapter in Retail with CEO and Co-Founder Albert Chow 25:30

5M ago25:30

25:30

In this episode, I welcome back Albert Chow, co-founder & CEO of Silk & Snow, to explore the company’s dramatic evolution from a digital-native sleep brand to a powerhouse in physical retail. The conversation dives into Silk & Snow’s ambitious expansion plans, with 14 new stores set to open across Canada by the end of the year. Albert shares the br…

1
Let’s go! 41:19

5M ago41:19

41:19

Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic is finally here! We count down the final hours before the show opens to preview our schedule of events in Kansas City. Plus, we share a listener story that won’t soon be forgotten. We’ll see you at the largest upland gathering in the world! Presented by: Walton’s (https://www.waltons.com/) OnX Maps (https://www.onxmaps…

1
Retail's Future Unlocked: AI, Fast Delivery & the New Consumer Mindset with Lindsey Mazza, Capgemini's Global Retail Lead 31:06

5M ago31:06

31:06

In this episode I welcome Lindsey Mazza Capgemini's Global Retail Lead, to explore the latest findings from their annual What Matters to Today's Consumer report. The conversation uncovers significant shifts in consumer behaviour, AI-driven retail strategies, and the future of fast delivery. Mazza outlines how 2025 marks a turning point where scienc…

1
In The Woods With Dogs 2:09:18

5M ago2:09:18

2:09:18

Ben Brettingen from OnX Hunt & Hannah Petersen from Mud Lake Kennels join the show for a spring dog training episode that dives into the mindsight of raising bird dogs and honing their natural skills. The episode begins with a brief game of upland trivia, followed by a Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic preview, then dives into Hannah’s journey into dog…

1
Decoding Canadian Shoppers: Insights on Value, Personalization & Pricing with Cheryl Ong Seng, Vice President of Retail at Circana Canada 29:04

6M ago29:04

29:04

In this episode of The Voice of Retail, I sit down with Cheryl Ong Seng, Vice President of Retail at Circana, to explore the latest trends shaping the Canadian retail landscape. From consumer confidence and value-seeking behaviours to the challenges of personalization and pricing strategies, they cover the key insights retailers need to know. Chery…

1
In-Depth Quail Research 1:27:31

6M ago1:27:31

1:27:31

Ryan O'Shaughnessy, Executive Director of Rolling Plains Quail Research Foundation joins the show for an in-depth conversation on America’s wild quail. Ryan and Travis discuss the RPQRF mission, biology & behavior of quail, quail research projects, parasites in quail, eye worms & cecal worms, Quail Gaurd, quail mating and nesting, quail habitat and…

1
Retail Readiness 101 with Liza Amlani, retail expert and author of the brand new book The Whole Sale: Profitable Wholesale Strategies For Brands 35:08

6M ago35:08

35:08

Retail success isn't just about having a fantastic product—it's about understanding the business of selling. On this episode of The Voice of Retail, I welcome Liza Amlani, renowned retail strategist and co-author of The Whole Sale: Profitable Wholesale Strategies for Brands. Liza shares insider insights from her 20+ years in buying, merchandising, …

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